Edward H. Smith

Rear AdmiralClass of 1913

Distinguished Service Medal

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great
responsibility as Commander of the Greenland Patrol and later as Commander of a Task force in the
Atlantic Fleet from December 1941, to November 1944. During the critical years of 1942 and 1943,
Rear Admiral Smith planned, built, organized and efficiently administered the naval bases and stations
in Greenland and in the Arctic for the support of the Army in those areas and the Naval control of the
North Atlantic. Under extremely difficult conditions, the forces of his command successfully operated
patrols and escorts, maintained a system of weather stations and provided full logistic and tactical
support for the Army. As Commander of a Task force in these strategic waters, he skillfully directed vital
weather, patrol and escort services which were of inestimable assistance in connection with the ferrying
of aircraft and the operation of transport planes to and from the European theaters of war and effectively
protected valuable convoys. In all his negotiations and contacts, Rear Admiral Smith distinguished
himself by his splendid diplomacy, sound judgment and intelligent planning and consistently maintained
excellent relations with other United States forces and those of the Allied Nations. His superior tactical
knowledge and steadfast devotion to duty throughout these important years were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Rear Admiral “Iceberg” Smith later commanded the Coast Guard’s Eastern Area and Third District
before retiring after 40 years of service. (Download pdf)

Donald C. McNeil

CaptainClass of 1923

Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device “V”)

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the USS Callaway, in action against enemy
Japanese forces during the assault on Luzon, Philippine Islands, January 8, 1945. When his ship sustained
serious damage from enemy aircraft, Captain McNeil skillfully directed the fire fighting activities and
enabled his ship to participate in the assault landings. By his courage and devotion to duty, he upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Captain “Depth Charge” McNeil was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, but died on active duty
shortly after being relieved of command of USS Callaway. (Download pdf)

Edward C. Allen, Junior

Lieutenant CommanderClass of 1938

Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device “V”)

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious achievement as Navigator and as Gunnery Officer on board the USS Leonard Wood, during operations against the enemy at Luzon, Leyte, Angaur, Saipan, French Morocco, Sicily
and the Gilbert and Marshall Island Groups, during World War II. Demonstrating excellent judgment
and unerring seamanship, Lieutenant Commander Allen expertly piloted his ship through hazardous
waters in the successful participation of the Leonard Wood in four major operations in the Pacific
Area. Distinguishing himself as Gunnery Officer during the invasions of French Morocco, Sicily and
the Gilbert and Marshall Island Groups, by maintaining his organization in an exceptionally high state
of combat readiness, he contributed to the success of these vital operations. His steadfast courage,
professional skill and untiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Allen
and the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Commander Allen later commanded the Coast Guard’s Fifth District before retiring at the
rank of Rear Admiral. (Download pdf)

John Natwig

Lieutenant CommanderClass of 1942

Silver Lifesaving Medal

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For heroic action on 11 April 1952, when he rescued a boy from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, off San
Juan, Puerto Rico. Lieutenant Commander Natwig was serving as co-pilot of a Coast Guard PBY-5AG
plane, which had landed to effect the rescue of survivors of a ditched Pan American DC-4 plane, when
he saw a boy in the water holding up another boy whose head was submerged at times, and who appeared
to be drowned. Without hesitation, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant
Commander Natwig climbed out of the co-pilot’s hatch and dove from the bow of the plane into the
shark-infested water. He swam to the assistance of the unconscious boy and supported him until they
were both taken aboard an Air Force plane approximately twenty-seven minutes later. Lieutenant
Commander Natwig’s outstanding courage, initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

Roger H. Banner

LieutenantClass of 1943

Legion of Merit (with Combat Distinguishing Device “V”)

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government
of the United States as Officer-in-Charge of a Support Boat from the USS Samuel Chase during the
amphibious invasion of Italy on September 9, 1943. Courageous and skillful in executing a hazardous
and difficult task, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Banner successfully escorted fifty-nine
amphibious trucks from the transport anchorage to the assigned beaches under cover of night and
directed the unloading of essential artillery and equipment for our assault forces. Navigating by the stars,
he continued to traverse the distance of twelve miles between the offshore anchorage and the beaches,
continuously exposed to the danger of minefields and shell and mortar fire from shore defenses, until
unloading operations were expeditiously completed without casualty. By his inspiring leadership and
superb navigational ability during this mission, Lieutenant Banner contributed materially to the success
of the invasion.

Paul D. Henneberry

CommanderClass of 1956

Bronze Star Medal

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious service while serving as Commanding Officer of USCGC Bering Strait
(WHEC-382) from 16 May 1970 to 1 January 1971 during combat operations. Commander Henneberry
exhibited exceptional qualities of leadership while directing his ship through ninety-six naval gunfire
support missions. Through his exceptional skill and devotion to duty, the ship maintained a high level
of combat readiness and professional performance. This was accomplished simultaneously with the
progressive replacement of Unites States Coast Guard officers and crew by Vietnamese officers and crew
until ultimately his ship was manned completely with Vietnamese. This outstanding feat contributed
directly to the success of the United State’s efforts in Southeast Asia. Commander Henneberry’s
performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.

Stephen T. Ulmer

Lieutenant Junior GradeClass of 1963

Silver Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device “V”)

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, USCGC
Point League (WPB 82304), Coast Guard Squadron ONE, engaged in MARKET TIME Operations
to interdict Viet Cong infiltration attempts near the mouth of the Co Chien River on 20 June 1966. While
on night patrol, POINT LEAGUE engaged a 100 foot armed supply vessel attempting to deliver a large
cargo of arms and ammunition to the Viet Cong. For hours, Lieutenant (junior grade) Ulmer directed
his command in a short-range gun battle with the infiltrator and forced her to ground on the beach. The
enemy crew abandoned the vessel and made their way to the shore where they joined with Viet Cong
forces. The fight then shifted to the beach where the Viet Cong forces, equipped with machine guns
and heavier weapons, attempted to destroy the cutter and recoup the grounded vessel and its cargo.
Point League, at first by itself and later joined by Point Slocum and Point Hudson, raked
the enemy forces with the machine gun and mortar fire in exposing their positions to friendly aircraft
support. Lieutenant (junior grade) Ulmer remained calm and in control despite his exposed position
in the pilot house which took several hits, all of them penetrating the aluminum bulkheads. When a fire
broke out in the grounded vessel, he organized a damage control party to suppress the flames to the
point where Point League was able to come alongside and fight the fire. Lieutenant (junior grade)
Ulmer’s valor, determination, and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United
States Coast Guard.

Lieutenant (junior grade) Ulmer resigned his commission in 1967 at the rank of Lieutenant in order to
pursue the ministry. After graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1972, Reverend Ulmer has
served as a Baptist pastor in Arkansas, Iowa and Washington, and is still active today. (Download pdf)

Lawrence G. Brudnicki

CommanderClass of 1972

Coast Guard Medal

For service as set forth in the following citation:

Commander Brudnicki is cited for heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter
Tamaroa during the daring nighttime rescue of four survivors from a downed Air National Guard H-60
helicopter during one of the strongest storms in recorded history. On 30 October 1991, the pilot of an Air
National Guard helicopter was forced to ditch his aircraft into the storm driven waves of the North Atlantic
when strong winds prevent in-flight refueling. When a Coast Guard helicopter’s attempts to rescue the survivors
were thwarted by high winds, Tamaroa became the helicopter crew’s only hope for survival. Commander
Brudnicki quickly assessed the situation and recognized that Tamaroa’s propulsion limitations prevented a
controlled approach to the survivors in the water. Instead, he directed Tamaroa to approach the downed air
crew with the ship’s beam exposed to the towering waves and placed the cutter in an extremely vulnerable and
unstable position. With the crew pushed to the limits of human endurance as a result of hurricane force winds,
56-degree seawater and 55 degree rolls, Commander Brudnicki skillfully orchestrated the rescue efforts of his
operations, deck and engineering departments. For over two hours, Tamaroa violently pitched and rolled while
Commander Brudnicki coordinated the efforts of the forecastle rescue team, conning officer, and engineering
watch standers. Knowing that the waves crashing across the deck could wash the rescue team overboard, and
that the extreme rolls could result in the capsizing of Tamaroa with its 80-person crew, Commander Brudnicki
continually re-assessed the environmental conditions and the risks faced by the ship’s crew. Under his leadership
and direction, Tamaroa’s crew persisted until all four airmen were safely recovered and received immediate
medical treatment for hypothermia and other life-threatening injuries. Commander Brudnicki then re-focused his
unit’s efforts on the search for one missing helicopter crewmember and coordinated multiple search assets over
a 60,000 square mile area. Commander Brudnicki demonstrated remarkable seamanship, exceptional fortitude,
and daring in spite of imminent personal danger to himself and his crew. His unselfish actions, courage, and
unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.

Jimmy Ng

LieutenantClass of 1972

Distinguished Flying Cross

For service as set forth in the following citation:

Lieutenant Ng is cited for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the evening
of 17 August 1980. During this period he was serving as pilot and aircraft commander of Coast Guard
HH-3F 1471 engaged in the rescue of 17 seamen from the merchant vessel Theresa Lee which was
filling with deadly ammonia gas, disabled, and sinking in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Dispatched from Coast
Guard Air Station, Kodiak, Alaska, Lieutenant Ng flew the aircraft through the remnant of one of the
worst typhoons of the season to the scene. Upon arrival and despite darkness, poor visibility and
turbulence in rain showers, Lieutenant Ng maneuvered the helicopter to a position over the violently
pitching vessel as two dewatering pumps were lowered to the survivors. These pumps eventually saved
the ship from sinking. Lieutenant Ng was now into his third launch of the day having accumulated 4.3
hours of flight time and eight hours of crew mission time on another SAR case. Facing fatigue and wind
gusts of 65 knots and 40 foot seas combined with minimal visual references in the rain, Lieutenant Ng
maintained his position above Theresa Lee until the 17 seamen had been hoisted to safety. With the
fuel now a critical factor, Lieutenant Ng proceeded to the closest landing area, Port Heidon, Alaska.
While enroute, the cockpit filled with dense smoke accompanied by the acrid odor of an electrical fire.
Reacting immediately, Lieutenant Ng directed the performance of the appropriate emergency procedures
which successfully resulted in the elimination of the problem. The helicopter was then safely landed at
Port Heidon. Lieutenant Ng’s innovative actions, expert aeronautical skill and valor throughout this
mission were instrumental in the successful rescue of the 17 seamen. His courage, sound judgment and
unwavering devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the United States Coast Guard.

Scott D. Genovese

CaptainClass of 1979

Bronze Star Medal

For service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations as Commanding Officer, USCGC
Boutwell (WHEC 719) deployed with Commander, United States FIFTH Fleet from February to
May 2003 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Genovese flawlessly led the crew of
Boutwell during combat operations within the territorial waters of Iraq. Through tactical brilliance,
Boutwell represented the first line of defense for the largest amphibious task force assembled since
the Korean Conflict against the asymmetric and anti-ship cruise missile threat. He displayed extraordinary
determination and bravery conducting maritime interception operations to enforce United Nations
sanctions while maintaining a naval presence in Iraqi waters throughout combat operations. He dispatched
his boarding teams to control steel hull and cargo dhows exiting the Shat al Arab, demonstrating coalition
resolve in the North Arabian Gulf. In addition, he exhibited poise and leadership providing sea security
in the vicinity of Iraqi oil terminals following their capture by coalition forces while simultaneously
deescalating tensions along the Iranian border. His maintenance of a well-trained, truly professional
crew directly contributed to the successful liberation of Iraq. Captain Genovese’s total effectiveness,
forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest
traditions of the Coast Guard and the United States Naval Service.

Captain Genovese will retire in 2009 after 30 years of service. (Download pdf)

Donald E. Bader

Lieutenant CommanderClass of 1994

Distinguished Flying Cross

For service as set forth in the following citation:

Lieutenant Commander Bader is cited for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the
day and night of 8 May 2005 while rescuing three people from the sailing vessel Al Meisan. The vessel had been
severely damaged and was sinking in a strong nor’easter 465 miles northeast of Air Station Elizabeth City, North
Carolina. After rendezvousing with and refueling aboard the USS Trenton, Lieutenant Commander Bader
executed a demanding launch with the ship at maximum pitch and role limits. Battling heavy rains and 50 to 70
knot winds, he bravely flew into the heart of the nor’easter toward the foundering vessel. Confronting a navigational
computer failure, he wisely used the standby compass to dead reckon toward scene until the co-pilot was
able to regain use of the onboard computer systems. Once on scene and unable to hoist directly to the vessel due
to the violently pitching mast and angry sea state, he deployed the rescue swimmer into the turbulent seas near
the vessel to aid in the rescue attempt. With winds in excess of 50 knots and 40 foot seas preventing the swimmer
from reaching the vessel, he quickly recovered the swimmer to formulate an alternate plan. He again deployed
the swimmer as one survivor at a time abandoned the stricken vessel. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical
skill, he recovered the first victim from the violent seas with a basket hoist. With the fuel state becoming critical,
and the length of time required for a similar hoist in the deteriorating weather conditions, it was decided to use
the rescue strop to recover the remaining two victims. Lieutenant Commander Bader twice again deployed the
swimmer into the roiling seas, expertly recovering the survivors. With all three survivors and crew safely onboard,
he adroitly flew through the stormy conditions for another 265 miles to Nantucket Island. Although hampered
by darkness, fog and unrelenting rain, he landed safely with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining, accumulating
over 12 hours of crew mission time and having flown over 800 nautical miles. Lieutenant Commander Bader’s
actions, aeronautical skill and heroism were instrumental in the rescue of three people. His courage, judgment,
and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions are most heartily commended and are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

Thomas F. Cooper

Lieutenant CommanderClass of 1994

Distinguished Flying Cross

For service as set forth in the following citation:

Lieutenant Commander Cooper is cited for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 29
August to 6 September 2005, while serving as Aircraft Commander aboard Coast Guard HH-65B helicopters in
response to Hurricane Katrina. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical skill and judgment, and innovative rescue
techniques, he saved numerous survivors from treacherous conditions during 15 sorties, totaling over 29 day and
night flight hours, including 13 hours as a single pilot. He repeatedly and skillfully pushed the power-limited
HH-65B to the very edge of its performance envelope, in close proximity to unlit hazards, despite continuous
reports of violence and shots fired, thousands of distressed survivors needing rescue, and the constant threat of
midair collision in the highly congested and uncontrolled airspace. As the first aircraft on scene after the storm’s
passage, his initial recommendations laid the procedural foundation for the entire air rescue operation. Battling
winds in excess of 50 knots, he adeptly hoisted a pregnant woman from a small, constricted balcony, the first
rescue in metropolitan New Orleans. Most notably, he completed a pinpoint vertical rescue swimmer pick-up
of a 400 pound, non-ambulatory survivor directly from her second story bed through the damaged rafters and
roof. In addition, he held a precise hover within five feet of power lines at night to deftly thread the hoist cable
through a web of obstructions, saving an elderly couple off a small third story porch. Balancing power limitations
against the urgent need to hoist survivors as floodwaters rose; he landed “light” on a semi-rigid rooftop, rescuing
12 trapped people. He kept his crew focused in the face of an overwhelming disaster and the stress of repeated
life or death decisions about who to rescue and who to leave behind. He intrepidly continued hoisting and saving
lives after being warned by authorities about a toxic cloud of hydrogen sulfide in the area, refusing to abandon the
mission. Lieutenant Commander Cooper’s actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue
of 146 victims. His courage, judgment and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with
the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.